Individual taste in books varies as much as the favorite rod
or fly. With that in mind, we hope to review books and
videos from the ever-growing fly fishing world, and share
them with you. Books will be the best of all worlds, new
and old. Many of the old books are now available in reprint,
and the wisdom contained is timely today. Others can be
found in second-hand book stores, or by mail order dealers.
As we find videos we feel are outstanding they will be included.
Be assured, reviews are based on what we have actually read,
and due to that fact, may not appear weekly.

May 26, 2003

Hot Bass Flies

By Deke Meyer Published By Frank Amato Publications

Reviewed by Deanna Birkholm

Hot Bass Flies is very new - and very good. We've seen
a ton of trout pattern books, this one puts many of those to
shame.

The big name patterns are there - with the recipes,
as well as flies from unknown tiers who are experts
on their home waters - and who are willing to share
their secrets. Many of the exceptional bass flies
have never before been in print. But the approach
of the book is different. The photo of the fly with
the ingredients of course, and "Notes". The Notes
range from suggestions of other color combinations or
materials, a new way to make a weed guard to how to fish the fly.
Indeed as the sub-title reads "Patterns & Tactics
from the Experts." It is delightful reading.

Hot Bass Flies is laid out in sections covering specific
types of flies:

Introduction

Poppers

Sliders

Floating Divers

Floating Critters

Fly-Rod Spinnerbaits

Crayfish

Subsurface Flies

Australian Native Bass

Commercial Sources (for materials)

I was surprised to find the Fly-Rod Spinnerbait section,
and while it isn't a big section, it was interesting to
see the transition from spinning baits to flies. My
favorite section is all about Crayfish - the variations
on the theme is amazing. One of the most interesting
flies is Lynch's B'wana's Mop Fly. Interested in BIG
bass? Learn to tie that one!

The fly photography is by the author with excellent
fly plates by Jim Schollmeyer.

If you are a serious bass angler, this is one book
you must have! ~ DLB